Maharashtra government asks CBI, ACB to probe 'loot' of funds for EWS students

The state government on Wednesday informed the legislative assembly that it has asked the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) and central bureau of investigation (CBI) to enquire into the 'loot' of funds meant for students from the weaker sections of society. The 'loot' was done by educational institutes who are given the money directly by the government for their education.

Members of the House raised the issue of students' studies being affected due to the state not releasing funds for them. In some cases, the government also stated that large sums of money was being taken as donations from the students, but no receipt was given.

Opposition party members demanded to know how many such students were affected, and the money that state had to give. The government said that whatever money was due, would be given so that students' studies are not affected.

Minister of state for social justice, Dilip Kamble said: "The government has also come to know that there was a loot of Rs 4,000 crore in all these years wherein money for the weaker sections of society was being siphoned off by educational institutes. The chief minister has asked the ACB and CBI to probe the matter."

While the Opposition welcomed the decision of investigation, it led a walk-out after they slammed the government for not giving a convincing enough reply with regards to how much money was left to be paid.